Oil Pulling

Miriam's been a freelance writer since 2013. Born in Whittier, CA, she now lives in Ontario, CA, with her husband and family.

Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

A jar of organic coconut oil at room temperature. | Source

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About Oil Pulling

My Introduction to Oil Pulling

I heard about oil pulling last summer (2015) when my daughter brought it up. Prior to that, I really had not heard of it. Shortly after that I noticed articles on the Internet, too, and people were raving about it. But I am not one to try things that sound weird, so I skipped the articles.

When my daughter started talking to me about “oil pulling” (which means taking a tablespoonful of coconut oil and swishing it in your mouth for 20 minutes), I thought “Ew, that sounds disgusting!” and I refused to try it. However, after she oil pulled for about a week I noticed her teeth had become much whiter—her teeth no longer had that yellow-tint!

I envied her. Still, I could not picture myself pouring a tablespoon of any kind of oil into my mouth and swishing it for any length of time. I thought oil pulling might make me gag.

Grandma's White Teeth

And then I remembered my dear old Grandma Rafaela and how white her teeth were-- and I am positive they were her real teeth. I was only about 8 years old, but I remember asking her how come her teeth were so white? She laughed at the question and told me she used baking soda to brush her teeth.

So, instead of trying the oil pulling regimen my daughter suggested, I Googled for information about using baking soda to whiten my teeth. Experts said I could only use baking soda twice a week because it is abrasive.

Oil Pulling or Whitening Strips?

Shortly after my daughter started oil pulling, I started using baking soda on my toothpaste twice a week to whiten my teeth. However, I did not notice any changes in the color of my teeth after using it twice a week for 3 weeks.

A friend of mine suggested we try Crest's Whitening Strips; then she added,“they might make your teeth sensitive, but you can buy Sensodyne to relieve the sensitivity". Of course, I already knew about Crest's whitening strips, but, frankly, I think they weaken your teeth!

I Try the Whitening Strips

Before trying the oil pulling, I decided to give the whitening strips a try. My daughter seemed to liked them okay, so I tried them one night.

I found out whitening strips were not for me! I found they left my teeth feeling rough, and I could already feel a slight tooth sensitivity -- and that is only from one time!

I stopped using the strips and suggested my daughter stop using them, too. In my opinion, if whitening strips make your teeth sensitive, they must be damaging your teeth.

Go Ahead...Do it!

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Moment of Truth: To Pull or Not to Pull?

Baking Soda Not Effective

Adding baking soda to my daily regimen had not even touched the yellowing of my teeth, so I started thinking about oil pulling. These thoughts kept popping up in the back of my mind: to pull or not to pull?

Shocked by a Selfie

Then, 3 months later I looked at my teeth in the mirror as I was getting ready to take a selfie, and I noticed how yellow my teeth were getting. I started thinking about how bad they must look to other people! I thought, “Wow, my teeth would look so much better – and it would improve my appearance—if my teeth were whiter.”

14-Day Trial

I decided to give oil pulling a try for a couple of weeks (14 days); if it did not work I could stop at any time. I told myself, “Just do it, and don't dwell on the idea of having oil in your mouth.” I decided to go ahead and try it despite my negative fear of how the oil would feel in my mouth.

My First Oil Pulling

After my first oil pulling, I found it was not as bad as I thought and I decided to write an article about oil pulling so it will inspire more people to try it for whitening their teeth safely and also to improve one's oral hygiene.

Just One Tablespoon Pure Oil...

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Topics Included in this Article

So Much Information...

There is much to discuss about oil pulling (Click to Tweet), so I will try to include information you may have questions about such as:

What is oil pulling?

Can other oils be used for oIl pulling?

Guides & tips for oil pulling

Health benefits of oil pulling

and more!

Ayurvedic tag attached to pure oil and cinnamon sticks. | Source

What is Oil Pulling?

Ayurveda Means: Life + Knowledge

Oil pulling is an ancient medicinal regimen that originates in India, where thousands of years ago Ayurvedic Medicine or 'Ayurveda' was practiced.

Approximately 3,000 years ago, Ayurvedic Indians used oil pulling as part of their health regimen to cleanse and detoxify their mouth and gums, whiten teeth, and cure various maladies and diseases. Remember, back then toothbrushes were not invented yet!

First Used in the United States by a Dentist

In 1992 a Russian dentist named Dr. Fedor Karach first used oil-pulling in his professional practice with great success. Since then (1992) celebrities have popularized oil pulling creating a trend, currently, here in the United States.

Now that you know what all this fuss is about, why not test it out for yourself? You have nothing to lose, and healthy, whiter teeth to gain!

Other Health Benefits Debatable

By the way, there are a host of other ailments that oil pulling can supposedly cure, however, I am mainly writing about the oral hygiene benefits (which I have proven for myself) of oil pulling. Still, I have a section that details some of the other health benefits of oil pulling, however, remember they are not proven benefits from personal use.

Please read on for more about oil pulling, and please watch the testimonial videos from actual oil pullers on You Tube.

My 14-Day Results

My Post 14-Day Review on Oil Pulling

After 14 days of oil pulling with coconut oil, I can honestly say my teeth look and feel whiter. I have grown used to the process of swishing coconut oil in my mouth during my shower and will continue oil pulling for the oral health benefits it produces.

2. Will dislodge food particles that may be stuck between your teeth -- which is very helpful if you eat pumpkin seeds or popcorn, like I do!

3. Will remove unsightly stains from your teeth, such as stains from tea, coffee, or cigarettes;

4. Will whiten your teeth.

This is just the minimal improvements you can expect from oil pulling. So, do yourself a favor and start oil pulling today!

One Tablespoonful of Fluffy White Coconut Oil

A tablespoon of coconut oil. | Source

Guide & Tips for Oil Pulling: READ FIRST

“Oil Pulling” General Instructions: READ FIRST

(Step-by-Step instructions in the following section, but there are important tips you need to know before starting, so please read this part.)

Take about 1 tablespoon of coconut oil into your mouth. Swish the oil in your mouth for 15 - 20 minutes, but do not swish longer than this because oil pulling removes toxins from your system, and these toxins would be reintroduced back into your body if you swish longer than 20 minutes OR swallow the oil. After swishing the oil for 20 minutes, spit the oil into a Dixie cup or trash can.

DO NOT SPIT OIL into the DRAIN/SINK or it will CLOG UP THE DRAIN!

When Should I Oil Pull?

Some people say you should oil pull on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning for best results. The reason it is recommended to oil pull first thing in the morning is because that's when your mouth is teeming with bacteria, so this makes sense.

Some say you can oil pull two or three times per day, but this is perfectly up to you. In my opinion, first thing in the morning is good enough to gain the benefits of improved oral health.

Swish for 15-20 Minutes

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Oil Pulling Step-by-Step

Step-by-Step Instructions for Oil Pulling

Take one tablespoon of vegetable oil (coconut, sesame, etc.) into your mouth.

Swish the oil gently around your mouth for 15 - 20 minutes. Swish lightly so you do not tire out your jaw.

Some Acceptable Oils for Oil Pulling

Can Other Oils Be Used for Oil Pulling?

For many reasons, coconut oil is the best oil to use for oil pulling. However, you may use other lightly-flavored oils besides coconut oil.

Coconut oil is very popular because of its mild flavor and antimicrobial properties, but it is not the only oil used for oil pulling.

Most Popular Worldwide for Oil Pulling

1. Coconut Oil

2. Sesame Seed Oil

3. Butter/Ghee

Although there are several different oils being used for oil pulling, tests prove that coconut oil is the best oil for oral hygiene because it is the only oil that prevents the Streptococcus mutans bacteria which leads to tooth enamel erosion and cavities. Coconut oil also contains a large concentration of omega-6 oils, and is both antibacterial as well as antiviral.

Also Acceptable for Oil Pulling:

Sesame Seed Oil

Sunflower Seed Oil

Grapeseed Oil

Safflower Oil

Olive Oil

Some people do not mind using sesame seed oil or even olive oil, but I believe the taste of either of these oils would be too strong for me.

Cold Pressed Virgin COCONUT OIL

Hamilton Healthcare's Organic Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Coconut Oil is one of the best you can find! This premium coconut oil comes in a 16-ounce jar and is perfect for oil pulling. Since you only need to use a tablespoon at a time for oil pull swishing, this jar is sure to last awhile. Hamilton Healthcare’s Organic Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Coconut Oil is pure, unrefined, and has a mild flavor you will like.